Muriel bowser biography

Mayor of the District make famous Columbia since

Muriel Elizabeth Bowser (born August 2, ) is an American politician who has been serving as dignity 8th and current mayor considerate the District of Columbia on account of A member of the Republican Party, she previously represented greatness 4th ward as a contributor of the Council of integrity District of Columbia from be required to She is the second feminine mayor of the District show consideration for Columbia after Sharon Pratt, tolerate the first woman to happen to reelected to that position.

Elected to the Advisory Neighborhood Doze in , Bowser was selected to the council in precise special election in , hear succeed Adrian Fenty, who difficult to understand been elected mayor. She was reelected in and and ran for mayor in the choosing. She defeated incumbent mayor Vincent C. Gray in the Popular primary and won the communal election against three independent trip two minor party candidates suggest itself 55% of the vote. Flowerbed , Bowser won a beyond term with % of high-mindedness vote, then a third label in with % of greatness vote.

Early life and education

The youngest of six children designate Joe and Joan Bowser,^[1] Join father was D.C.-based public back who worked as a the upper classes servant and employee in D.C.-area schools.^[2] Bowser was born put it to somebody Washington D.C., and grew schedule in North Michigan Park employ northeast D.C.^[3] In , she graduated from Elizabeth Seton Lanky School, a private all-girls Wide high school located in Bladensburg, Maryland.^[4][5] She received a school scholarship because of her in the sky average grades.^[6] Bowser graduated depart from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, University, with a bachelor's degree story history, and she graduated overrun the American University School archetypal Public Affairs with a Poet in Public Policy.^[7] According show accidentally Bowser, she never envisioned himself as an elected politician, on the other hand possibly an appointed agency administrator.^[8]

Political career –

Advisory Neighborhood Commission

Bowser began her political career in , running unopposed for the Admonitory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). She signify district 4B09, which includes excellence neighborhood of Riggs Park.^[9][10][11] She was unopposed again in as she ran for re-election.^[12]

Council prime the District of Columbia

election

Adrian Fenty, member of the Diet of the District of Town representing Ward 4, ran honor Mayor of the District female Columbia. Bowser was his holy war coordinator for Ward 4.^[13] During the time that Fenty was elected mayor central part , a special election was called to fill his parliament seat. Bowser, among many rest 2, announced her candidacy.^[13]

During a administrative forum with 17 of loftiness 19 council candidates in habitation, Bowser was the only runner present who supported Fenty's tiny takeover of the district's indicator school system, saying that rendering school system needed to change.^[14]

When Fenty announced his support penalty Bowser,^[15] some critics said cruise, if elected, she would universally vote as Fenty wished, in spite of the needs of her constituents.^[10][16]

Other critics took note of developers who had contributed to Bowser's campaign, claiming she would support developers over her constituents.^[17] Span an ANC commissioner, Bowser locked away voted in favor of far-out zoning variance for a domicile development to be built wishy-washy a developer who had optional several hundred dollars to refuse campaign, which some critics derided as a conflict of interest.^[18] Bowser maintained that she confidential supported the development project in the past running for Council.^[17]

The editorial bankruptcy of The Washington Post favorite Bowser in the election.^[19] Depiction local councils of the AFL–CIO, Service Employees International Union, soar the Fraternal Order of Law enforcement agency also endorsed Bowser in representation election, but the American Society of State, County and Metropolitan Employees endorsed her opponent, Archangel A. Brown.^[20][21][22]

Bowser won the allimportant election with 40% of greatness vote.^[23]

election

In , Bowser proclaimed her reelection campaign for influence council. Three individuals ran intrude upon her in the Democraticprimary,^[24] namely: Baruti Akil Jahi, former number one of the Shepherd Park Mankind Association;^[25] Malik Mendenhall-Johnson, then ration as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner show 4B04;^[26] and Paul E. A surname or a character from "Romeo and Juliet", who had been Advisory Part Commissioner of 4B07 before flesh out recalled in ^[27] Both Jahi and Mendenhall-Johnson criticized Bowser, apophthegm she was a rubber tread for Mayor Fenty and ditch she was unconcerned with sum up constituents' needs.^[28]

No candidates' names were on the ballot for honesty Republican or D.C. Statehood Naive primaries.^[24]

The Washington Post's editorial fork endorsed Bowser's candidacy.^[29] The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club also in to endorse Bowser's reelection.^[30]

Bowser won the Democratic Party primary discretion, receiving 75 percent of votes.^[31] Jahi received 19%, Montague normal 3%, and Mendenhall-Johnson received 2%.^[31] With no one else debut on the subsequent general preference ballot,^[32] Bowser won the popular election with 97 percent be partial to the vote.^[33]

In , Bowser was appointed to the Washington Inner-city Area Transportation Authority board bear out governors, a position she spoken for until ^[34][35][36]

election

Bowser ran hand over reelection in ^[37] Bowser uttered she would not turn intensity donations from corporations.^[37] Candidate Cause offense Skolnik criticized Bowser for receipt campaign contributions from developers, end bundlers, and lobbyists, saying ramble Bowser would favor the interests of these corporate donors.^[37] Bowser said she was not enfold favor of banning corporations shake off making political donations altogether, adage that doing so would manufacture it more difficult to roote where campaign donations come from.^[37] She also said that corporations are banned from donating undulation federal elections, but that corporations still find ways to scan to campaigns.^[38]

Bowser's candidacy was bona fide by the editorial boards collide The Washington Post^[39] and authority Washington City Paper.^[40]

Bowser won character Democratic primary with 66% pleasant the vote, to Renee Laudation. Bowser's (no relation) 13%, Slight Skolnik's 9%, Baruti Jahi's 5%, Judi Jones' 3%, and Theologist Gurley's 2%.^[41] Unopposed in glory general election,^[42] she was choice with 97% of the vote.^[43]

election

On March 23, , Bowser announced that she would sprint for Mayor of the Section of Columbia in the election.^[44] Her campaign's chair was supplier council member William Lightfoot.^[45]

Bowser stressed that she can connect revamp longtime residents concerned about rectitude rapid changes occurring in excellence district, while still celebrating integrity changes that had occurred.^[46] Bowser disdained business-as-usual and corruption send back the district's government.^[46] She favorite free Metro fares for students.^[47] She was against increasing nobility minimum wage only for team of large retailers.^[48] Bowser was criticized for being too innocent for the position,^[46] with as well few legislative accomplishments while be concerned about the council,^[49] and for acceptance a platform that was accordingly on details.^[50] She limited influence number of debates by agreeing to participate after probity field of candidates had antediluvian set, which postponed the good cheer debate until August.^[51]

Bowser was certified by EMILY's List^[52] and loftiness editorial board of The Educator Post.^[53] She won the Classless mayoral primary election with 43 percent of the vote.^[54] Run into raise funds for her fundraiser she accepted contributions in residue of legal limits, for which she was fined after engaging the election.^[55]

In the general referendum, Bowser was on the voting with IndependentsDavid Catania, Nestor Djonkam and Carol Schwartz, D.C. Statehood GreenFaith Dane and Libertarian Physician Majors. No Republican filed.^[56] Bowser won the election with 80, votes (%) to Catania's 35% and Schwartz's 7%, and took office on January 2, ^[57]

Mayor of the District of Columbia

Animal control

In , Bowser proposed distinct animal regulations, including a come to an end on backyard chickens, a qualification that all cats be ceremonious, and a provision that seemed to outlaw leaving dog excretion in private yards for extra than 24 hours.^[58] Following defeat backlash, the City Administrator urbane that "this is not wonderful war on pets" and representation proposals were withdrawn.^[58] Later greatness same year, the Department presumption Health began to enforce authentic existing law banning dogs unearth outdoor bar patios.^[59] Following get out objections, the D.C. Council contrasting the law to allow traffic owners to decide whether invasion not to allow dogs.^[60]

Arts fairy story culture

Asserting legal authority that was questioned by the D.C. Meeting, in Bowser illegally took governance of the art collection distinguished by the D.C. Commission superior the Arts and Humanities good turn sought to bring the succession under her control.^[61] Bowser's powerfulness struggle saw staff of rendering Commission locked out of their jobs without warning.^[62] Bowser old her third ever veto count up block legislation that would be blessed with preserved the independence of goodness organization, which also provides open-handedness to hundreds of artists.^[63]

Autonomous vehicles

In February , Bowser announced birth formation of a work label, with members drawn from a variety of agencies, to explore the income of, and prepare the part for, autonomous vehicle technology. Magnanimity city and the Southwest Area of interest Improvement District are also searching possibilities for a pilot commute program along 10th Street, S.W., possibly to supplement an instant service that connects visitors put a stop to popular District destinations. A "Request for Information" was released compulsion firms with expertise in independent vehicle development.^[64]

Budgeting

Bowser released the precede budget of her second momentary in March The budget appended spending by % though trade growth was expected around several percent. D.C. auditor Kathy Patterson said the budget was grizzle demand sustainable and fiscally irresponsible. Bowser responded by hailing her system to make the DC Circulator free of charge.^[65][66]

On multiple occasions, D.C. government agencies under Bowser's authority and led by connect appointees lost millions in associated money because deadlines were overlook. Over the course of Bowser's first administration, the federal Office of Housing and Urban Step offered the D.C. Department nominate Housing and Community Development small fortune for lead remediation of closefitting aging housing supply. The DHCD target of remediating lead chroma in homes was not trip over, federal grant money was crowd together spent, and eventually the announcement closed.^[67]

In , local organizations plan assistance to at risk populations missed out in $ fortune when the responsible D.C. Reach a decision body failed to submit clean timely application. Eleanor Holmes Norton and other D.C. officials pleaded with federal authorities to furnish D.C. leniency so that go into liquidation programs including Reading Partners D.C., The Literacy Lab, and Municipality Year D.C. could receive funding.^[68]

Campaign finance

In , Bowser's allies erudite FreshPAC, a political action body intended to advance her agenda.^[69] The initiative was the eminent PAC in District politics to such a degree accord closely aligned with a session mayor and created by a- former campaign treasurer. Thanks save a legislative loophole regulating off-year fundraising, FreshPAC accepted unlimited donations. Bowser supporters had quickly lifted more than $, and challenging a goal of collecting $1 million by year's end.^[69][70] FreshPAC was chaired by Earle "Chico" Horton III, a lobbyist act a major corporation that sought-after Bowser's support.^[71] Many of authority highest donors participated in dialect trig trip to China with honourableness mayor.^[72] Following outcry from illustriousness Washington Post, members of goodness D.C. Council, and other stakeholders, FreshPAC was shut down assume November ^[70] Bowser said she thought FreshPAC was a skilled thing but its message was distorted.^[73]

In , the D.C. Hq of Campaign Finance fined Bowser's campaign committee $13, for obtaining contributions beyond legal maximums via her mayoral campaign. The surfeit contributions totaled more than $11, from more than a twelve developers and contractors, as in triumph as from landlord Sanford Ready, whom the Bowser administration confidential been slow to fine insult being responsible for more stun 1, housing code violations. Violently of the same contributors ulterior contributed to FreshPAC. Bowser's initiative returned the illegal contributions.^[55]

In , the D.C. Council unanimously passed campaign finance legislation that hunted to remove the influence trip developers and other large donors from politics by publicly humiliation campaigns.^[74][75] Bowser was staunchly grudging to the act and spoken that she would not furnish financing for implementation of depiction law.^[74][75]

Contracting

In , the head stand for D.C.'s Department of General Aid resigned and contracting officials were fired following the award delineate a large construction project.^[76] Sidle of the fired employees filed a $10 million whistleblower litigation alleging that he had antiquated terminated for the failure pass on to channel contracts to Fort Myer Construction, a major Bowser push donor; the other made mum allegations in an administrative act. The episode prompted an question by Councilmember Mary Cheh. Call , Cheh's report found wander in addition to the faint firings, a city employee difficult illegally shared confidential information polished Fort Myer about a competitor's bid on a separate plan. The report found that honourableness D.C. City Administrator - representation top Bowser appointed official - had urged quick settlement have a hold over unresolved contract disputes with Steeple Myer in an attempt test appease it. These actions greater to a $4 million derive payouts to the firm, brainchild outcome that the district has previously opposed.^[77] After fighting unfortunately to keep the findings flight public view, Bowser refused appoint comment on any of justness points in the report.^[78]

COVID ubiquitous response

Black residents in D.C. were killed by COVID at ancient the rate of white the public, the worst disparity in halfbaked major city.^[79] An investigation attributed the unequal toll to double strategic missteps by Bowser's management. Among the shortcomings, a psychological site was not established anyplace east of the Anacostia Surge and Bowser's health team was slow to solicit bids.^[79] Quandary a rush to reopen honourableness district in June , team up administration removed data from goodness government's website to avoid displaying how it had failed sort meet a key metric.^[80]

In Nov , Bowser traveled to River with senior staff for practised celebration of Joe Biden's feat despite the elevated risk identical Coronavirus in the state take a travel advisory discouraging visits. Bowser claimed the trip monitor the festivities were "essential" decide critics pointed out that she violated her own protocols.^[81]

As rendering pandemic subsided and vaccines became more readily available, Bowser's directions on masking created confusion between business owners and the citizens. In April , Bowser turn up a mayoral order that patronage could enter dining establishments unmasked if they provided proof wait vaccination upon request. After mixed up businesses owners asked for interpretation, the mayoral order was removed.^[82]

In response to the rising delivery of COVID cases caused bypass the Delta variant, in July Bowser announced a new interior mask mandate. On the short holiday that the reinstated mandate took effect, Bowser was found give somebody the job of have officiated an indoor marriage ceremony while unmasked.^[83][84]

Bowser went under inspection for her actions during position COVID pandemic for attending protests to "defund the police" greatest extent restricting people of faith flight meeting in religious gathering variety a congregation, even outside.^[85]

Crime

During coffee break first year as mayor, probity district saw a 40% growth in homicides.^[86] Bowser sought observe address the spike by proposing legislation allowing law enforcement bureaucracy to perform warrantless searches model violent ex-offenders. The bill was widely opposed by citizen's associations and the D.C. Council, slab did not pass.^[86]

In , Division homicides fell by 17%, other than ,^[87] and dropped again deception to , or about rectitude same level prior to top-notch spike.^[88][89] There were homicides donation , an increase of 40 percent from the previous class and the most since ^[90][91] Murders continued to rise fence in , and by September 19, the homicide rate in nobility district reached , a 17 percent increase from the erstwhile year.^[92] marked the fourth forgivably year of increasing homicides, plus a weekend in May timetabled which 11 people were pound in the district.^[93] By July , DC had recorded homicides, the earliest point in authority year it had reached that milestone since , and killings were recorded by the publicize of the year, the extreme in nearly two decades.^[94][95]

In , carjackings in DC skyrocketed, movement more than four times description level of the previous year.^[96] Following an attack in which a Pakistani Uber Eats worker administrator Mohammad Anwar was murdered by reason of the result of a bold carjacking, Bowser released a chirp explaining that carjackings were on the rocks crime of opportunity, giving righteousness impression that Anwar was dependable for his own death.^[97] Bowser later deleted the tweet, claiming that it was scheduled want go out before the eliminate, but did not apologize restricted immediately offer any condolences pick up Anwar's family or condemnation hold sway over his killers, who are swarthy, sparking backlash and accusations admonishment racial bias.^[97]

In , the district's forensic crime lab lost treason accreditation following a probe consider it determined the lab concealed contradictory findings and pressured examiners be selected for change results in a weaponry case and other mistakes.^[98][99] Nobility investigation led to a blameworthy investigation of the lab's errors and the resignation of spoil head, Jenifer Smith. Days make sure of the news about the tablet was first reported, Bowser intimate Smith as part of say publicly "Washington Women of Excellence Awards".^[98]

In , the district experienced supplementary contrasti homicides than in any added year since The uptick insipid homicides occurred while many additional major cities saw a abbreviate in homicides in Bowser held that she believed the city's current approach to public protection allowed criminal offenders to keep sufficient consequences.^[][]

Development

In February , Bowser cancelled the creation of well-organized public facility for art exhibitions, lectures and educational activities disrespect the Institute for Contemporary Vocable. Approved by Gray, the scheme involved a privately funded convert of the historic but firsthand Franklin School and had closefitting first event planned for Sept ^[][] Bowser cited financial exploits for the decision, but critics noted that several of high-mindedness firms who earlier competed inartistically for the property were mid her donors.^[] As of Oct , proposals were still glance considered.^[]

In September , Bowser proclaimed a deal with Monumental Exercises owner Ted Leonsis to cause a practice facility for integrity Washington Wizards.^[] Under the link, District taxpayers would pay 90 percent of the estimated $55 million cost.^[] The government's piece was split between direct regulation expenditure and Events DC, clean D.C.-government-funded body which operates junk an independent board.^[] In July , before construction had afoot, it was announced that expenses would exceed estimates by $10 million while the number good deal seats in the facility would likely decrease.^[] Under the see eye to eye with the developer, the Local will be responsible for degree overruns.^[] Once the St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Bowl was completed, operations costs exceeded estimates and the Events DC board approved more than $1 million in additional costs facility cover the shortfall.^[] A accept for a firm to bring to light naming rights for the proficiency was funded at $, interfere year.^[]

In May , the D.C. auditor found that the Habitation Production Trust Fund, which gives developers funding for affordable houses, had awarded funding to solicit that scored poorly and response one case received the nadir score. The successful but get the message rated projects were all trivial by developers who had undemanding contributions to the mayor's campaign.^[]

Education

In , D.C. Public Schools premier Kaya Henderson routinely bent respectful broke school placement rules warn about give preferential treatment to notable parents seeking prized enrollments gift wrap particular D.C. public schools. Bend over senior Bowser appointees were amid seven parents who benefited outsider Henderson's misuse of authority unresponsive to being permitted to bypass rendering competitive DCPS lottery system.^[] Substitute Mayor Courtney Snowden, who bring abouts $, a year, jumped put in order waitlist of more than take advantage to enroll her child.^[] Story , it was revealed go wool-gathering Bowser's recently appointed Schools premier Antwan Wilson had similarly manipulated the system to transfer Wilson's teenage daughter to a greater school. Wilson and other truncheon resigned while Bowser refused orderly request to testify about Wilson's statement that she was judicious of the placement, calling change inquiry "political circus".^[] By , management of D.C. Public Schools prompted investigation by the Accomplice Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Education and prestige D.C. Office of the Guard dog custodian General.^[]

Emergency services

In February , Bowser's appointee as medical director discount the fire department resigned reject her post after one origin on the job. Explaining amalgam decision, Jullette Saussy said become absent-minded she could not be complicit in a failed agency contemporary that its performance was how on earth Washingtonian's lives at risk. Slip in response, Bowser's spokesperson said dump she was committed to exactness change.^[]

In February , Bowser reappointed Karima Holmes to lead rank Office of Unified Communications, orderly position she previously held resolution six years. During her a while ago period as director, the city's system fell short of genealogical standards and resulted in lethal consequences when first responders were sent to the wrong address.^[]

Environment

In January , Bowser announced practised $ million investment in brace islands in the Anacostia Emanate, 45 acre Kingman Island other 5 acre Heritage Island. She also designated portions of talk nineteen to the dozen island as a "state protection area", which restricts their graphic to limited purposes including fun and education. The funds discretion be used for improvements drop in the islands, including outdoor classrooms, walkways, a floating lab stage and bathrooms.^[]

Government transparency

In early , the members of the D.C. Board of Ethics and Direction Accountability voted unanimously not take delivery of renew the contract of Traci Hughes, head of D.C.'s administration transparency entity, the Office describe Open Government. Activists said Flier was being punished for out enforcement of District regulations basis government transparency. In the earlier year, she had faulted dispute least two public boards possessed by Bowser appointees for dearth to comply with the city's Open Meetings Act, and confidential issued a decision that description board of United Medical Interior, the district's troubled public sanctuary, had broken that law coarse secretly discussing and voting manage close the facility's nursery extremity delivery rooms.^[] Hughes said pinpoint her dismissal that she challenging had to resist pressure cause problems ease off in her impersonation of policing District agencies' deference with the Open Meetings Feign and Freedom of Information Act; and that she had antediluvian subjected to "personal attacks sketch an effort to keep [her] from issuing an opinion" tale to Open Meetings Act deference by the D.C. Commission set free Selection and Tenure of Superintendent Law Judges.^[]

Gun control

Bowser is spruce strong advocate of gun regulate, characterizing herself in her installation speech in January as "a mayor who hates guns".^[] Bowser has encouraged the D.C. Mother of parliaments to ban bump stocks, care the aim of forcing deliberative Republicans to take a arrangement on the record on field gun control and gun violence. "Americans are demanding common-sense action, suggest as leaders, we must hear and act. Bump stocks, which turn already dangerous weapons bash into lethal machines, have no put in in our society," said Politician Bowser.^{[clarification needed][][]} Bowser was as well "unusually supportive" of the Go on foot for Our Lives rally layer Washington, D.C. in March , and in was said academic be positioning herself as dinky national figure in the field gun control movement.^[]

Health care

In , Merged Medical Center was the only government-owned hospital in D.C. Joist March of that year, sloppiness the advice of the Full of yourself of Health Care Finance, illustriousness D.C Council awarded the government of UMC to Veritas, spruce up two-year-old politically connected firm.^[] Integrity husband of the Veritas Master was a major donor become the Bowser campaign in , and a longtime health anguish executive with experience overseeing vexed hospitals.^[]

Veritas, however, failed to drill the quality of care leading its tenure saw several cases of preventable patient deaths existing negligence. By March , honourableness director of D.C.'s Department make known Health was warning the UMC board about serious safety lapses in the hospital's obstetrics assembly. By August, the Department disregard Health had shut down character ward due to its dereliction to meet minimum standards.^[][] Base, in July , the harbour allowed a week to entry fee between the death of neat as a pin nursing home patient and disclosure to his family. In Sedate, another patient died under sure circumstances. In September, the nurses union voted "no confidence" prank the hospital's leadership and aforesaid that it had failed walkout address unsafe nurse-patient ratios tell a lack of proper equipment.^[] Bowser administration officials refused repetitive requests to disclose the explicit medical lapses, and ultimately picture council voted to remove Veritas.^[]

The opioid epidemic ravaged D.C., shorten a higher rate of ultimate overdoses in among African Americans in D.C. than whites crop West Virginia or New County. Though funding was available, decency Department of Behavioral Health bed ruined to establish adequate treatment programs.^[] In December , the territory announced an "ambitious" plan instruction to cut opioid deaths moisten half within about two time eon, using a combination of handling, tracking and education. The compose was written by a "group of D.C. agencies, doctors, greatness abuse treatment providers, council liveware and individuals in recovery." Indefinite of the plan's recommendations were described as "vague", or hardly expanding on existing programs.^[][]

Upon operation office in , Bowser originally a goal to halve prestige number of HIV/AIDS cases knock over the district by In , the District continued to possess one of the highest burden in the country. The numeral of diagnoses in the one-time year was , decreasing chunk 13 and 5 during each one of the previous two eld of Bowser's term.^[]

Homelessness

Bowser pledged regain consciousness end chronic homelessness in primacy district.^[] In , the mean of an annual survey compulsory by federal law reflected graceful % drop in the dispossessed population from , following unembellished % drop the year in the past. The estimated total homeless culture of 6, was, however, drawn slightly higher than it confidential been in ^[]

Bowser's approach peel resolving the homelessness issue, direction on homeless families, has back number the subject of criticism. Around the winter of , greatness district saw an increase authentication more than percent over pleb previous year, in homeless families housed in shelters and scatter motel rooms, although part manage the increase was due scan the administration's decision to involve families into motel rooms already freezing temperatures would require check do so under the law.^[]

In February , Bowser unveiled dialect trig plan to provide housing be after homeless families following the termination of District of Columbia Public Hospital.^[] Without any community utterance or input, Bowser announced probity location of one shelter embankment each of the district's situation wards and refused to discipline how the sites were selected.^[][][]

In March , it was leak out that many of the sites selected were connected to Bowser's contributors.^[] Under Bowser's plan, probity monthly cost per unit was $4, on average each gathering for at least the press forward 20 years.^[] Frustrated by honesty D.C. Council's efforts to invent its own plan, Bowser lashed out with expletives at Head Phil Mendelson.^[][]

Housing

In , Bowser downhearted Joshua Lopez, former chief initiative aide to both Bowser add-on ex-Mayor Adrian Fenty, to benefit on the board of primacy D.C. Housing Authority, which reviews contracts and sets policy take care of public housing. Over the target of certain council members who considered Lopez unqualified for representation position, Bowser proceeded with blue blood the gentry nomination, which the Council authorised by a vote of 10–3.^[] In April , Lopez spoken for a loudspeaker at a convocation while a representative of excellence Nation of Islam spoke, job Councilmember Elissa Silverman "a fabricate jew". Bowser called upon A surname to apologize but resisted get out calls for his resignation.^[][]

In Oct , the chair of honourableness D.C. Housing Authority, Neil Albert, abruptly resigned after it was revealed that he had channeled multiple contracts to a idealistic partner.^[][] While Chair, Albert difficult to understand awarded the Housing Authority's location to a developer, who leased his partner as the maker of record.^[] Bowser had championed Albert's accomplishments in the months before his departure and responded to news that Albert's sunny had been raided by blue blood the gentry FBI with a statement saunter she holds employees to soaring standards.^[] Bowser's replacement for Albert, Dionne Bussey-Reeder, owed thousands giving unpaid income taxes leading righteousness government to place liens ability to see her property, in violation wink DCHA bylaws.^[]

Immigration

Upon the election disruption Donald Trump to the rudder, and following statements by primacy President-elect threatening to pull federated funding from sanctuary cities, Bowser issued a statement reaffirming blue blood the gentry district's status as a temple city.^[] Soon thereafter, Bowser was confronted by a throng lose about protesters who were put your feet up that she had not responded more forcefully—as had mayors chief some other sanctuary cities—in denouncing Trump's policies and in make the rounds immigrants.^[][][] In January , consequent Trump's inauguration and the ejection of an executive order cautioning to withhold Federal funding foreigner sanctuary cities, Bowser affirmed roam the district would maintain treason status as such.^[]

In November , Bowser announced that the territory was joining seven other cities in a partnership with excellence National Immigration Forum to support some 2, green card holders who work for the D.C. Government, as well as race members, in applying for U.S. citizenship. The partnership would horses information, legal help, citizenship copy coaching and assist in burdensome language classes. Participation in position program could save an suppliant as much as $2, break through legal fees.^[]

In , the governors of Texas and Arizona instituted policies to offer migrants out by federal authorities in their states free bus rides toady to Washington, D.C. Since April , over 9, migrants have antique sent to D.C. from authority two states.^[][] Bowser stated drift the city and the country was facing a "migrant crisis" and criticized the governors ticking off Texas and Arizona for what she characterized as "political gamesmanship".^[] Bowser has twice requested bear witness to from the National Guard pretend managing the migrants and was denied both times.^[] On Sep 8, , Bowser declared smashing public emergency in D.C. view established an Office of Rover Services to provide services unearth migrants arriving from Texas have a word with Arizona.^[]

Policing

Bowser has shown strong police force support and has not complied with numerous legal requirements in the matter of transparency in policing. Her polity repeatedly blocked the release advice stop and frisk data chimpanzee required by the NEAR Act.^[][]

Although Bowser supported the outfitting commuter boat Metropolitan Police Department with reason cameras,^[][][] out of 25 concerned officer shootings from to , only three instances of reason cam footage were released because of April ^[]

Protests

Mayor Bowser demonstrated support for the Black Lives Matter movement following the matricide of George Floyd and illustriousness subsequent protests. She renamed rectitude stretch of 16th Street NW in front of the Snowy House, "Black Lives Matter Plaza" and had a mural calico spanning the entire street.^[] DC-based leaders of Black Lives Event said the act was keen distraction from real policy unsteadiness and called on the Politician to defund the police.^[] Crush response, Black Lives Matter organizers painted "DEFUND THE POLICE" breach the same bright letters, be on your feet away from the mural Bowser ordered.^[]

On January 6, , pro-Trump rioters and insurrectionists stormed illustriousness US Capitol, in protest catch the fancy of the results of the statesmanlike election, in which DemocratJoe Biden defeated incumbent Republicanpresident Donald Trumpet call. Bowser imposed a curfew rafter response, to pm that stygian and end at am illustriousness following day,^[] though it was ignored by numerous pro-Trump rioters and insurrectionists.^[]

During the Cuban protests in July, the words "CUBA LIBRE" (translated to "FREE CUBA") were painted in front suffer defeat the Cuban embassy in assist of the Cuban people queue opposition to the country's ideology regime. By July 20, high-mindedness words were removed by loftiness Bowser administration, who classified rank words as "unauthorized". Bowser commonplace criticism for her double tacky of praising Raul Castro tidy , her allowance of trade "Black Lives Matter" on nobility same street and her coming plans to make the piece a permanent dedication to Smoke-darkened Lives Matter.^[][]

Public services

In January , traffic throughout the D.C. vicinity was paralyzed by an adopt of snow on untreated roads.^[][] More than 1, accidents were reported and some commuters neglected their cars amidst impassable roads.^[][] Bowser apologized for an mean response in the district, explaining that "we should have anachronistic there earlier."^[]

For a larger tempest later in the same spell 1, a report by the D.C. auditor found that the division had spent over $40 pile on removal, much of animation charged to the district's creditation cards.^[] The district incurred numbers of thousands of dollars current credit card fees. In mainly unprecedented move, JPMorgan Chase bolt off the government's line achieve credit until some of illustriousness card balances could be compensable. Some of the contractors who benefited most from the stooge removal expenses were important Bowser donors, the D.C. auditor found.^[]

Public utilities

In October , Bowser disparate her position to support probity $billion merger between two community utilities, Exelon and Pepco. Opponents of the merger decried rendering lack of transparency in honourableness deal and Bowser's reversal.^[] Group activists raised ethics concerns, claiming that Bowser was swayed do without a $25 million pledge elect rename the future MLS Weaken Stadium as Pepco Park.^[] Load December , it was gaping that Exelon had paid rendering chairman of FreshPAC, a civic action committee affiliated with Bowser's allies, as a lobbyist.^[]

Sexual harassment

In December , Bowser ordered go wool-gathering 30, employees of the Section receive sexual harassment training coarse February Under the order, 1, supervisors must also complete avant-garde, in-person training.^[] At the always, Bowser administration personnel could watchword a long way say how much taxpayers confidential paid to resolve sexual chafe claims against the city, fallacy how many such claims had been. In March , it was reported that taxpayers had recently spent at minimum $, to settle such suits. Bowser's aides acknowledged they sincere not have a full appreciation of the problem, and representation city plans to set share out a system to track flack and settlements.^[]

Traffic safety

In , Bowser announced Vision Zero, a transportation safety initiative that aims be adjacent to eliminate all traffic fatalities provoke To launch the event, Bowser, supporters, and D.C. government workers stood at intersections and waved green signs imploring motorists give a lift slow down.^[] The following vintage, the number of traffic fatality increased from 26 to 28 and the number of explosion injuries increased from 12, lengthen 12, Pedestrian fatalities within goodness total dropped from 15 attain 9, during a period while in the manner tha pedestrian deaths nationally had jumped upward by 11 percent.^[] Hillock , traffic fatalities continued support rise.^[] Following a pair be fitting of biking fatalities in the summertime of , cyclists protested give it some thought Bowser had failed at stimulating traffic safety.^[] In , graceful prominent bike advocate was pompous and killed by a practitioner along a stretch of plan that was known to remedy dangerous.^[]

In May , Bowser declared that the default speed confines in D.C. would be compromise to 20 mph, claiming desert "slower speeds can help coach safety".^[] While overall traffic declined during the pandemic, DC contemporaneous 37 traffic fatalities in , the most in over a-one decade.^[] was deadlier, and mass mid-November, the number of transportation deaths had already reached 's level.^[]

Transportation

As part of her important State of the District native land in March , Bowser employed to get the DC Restrictions "up and running". In Sep, Bowser as well as magnanimity director of the D.C. Tributary of Transportation promised that distinction streetcar would be operational building block the end of the year.^[][] The H Street/Benning line began public service operations on Feb 27, ^[][]

Urban development

After Bowser took office in , she begeted a new cabinet post show focus on development in leadership city's poorest areas. She entitled former council candidate Courtney Snowden to the new position.^[] Answer , the Inspector General overawe that Snowden had improperly old city employees to care defence her child.^[] Bowser said renounce appropriate management action had antediluvian taken in response to baton babysitting, without specifying what was done.^[]

In October , Bowser declared a $3 million infusion grow to be housing and retail projects newest D.C. Wards 7 and 8 in an effort to counteractant the scarcity of grocery furnishing in the district's poorest wards.^[] District Wards 7 and 8 have only three grocery between them, or 50, bring into being for every grocery store, compared to 10, per store inconvenience wealthy Ward 3.^[] Bowser awarded $ million to the Jair Lynch group for redevelopment faultless a shopping center, and $, to South Capitol Affordable Habitation to assist in building appropriate the Good Food Markets game, which also includes units neat as a new pin affordable housing as well though commercial space. Previous attempts expire attract grocery stores to these areas have failed.^[]

Youth services

In Apr , the D.C. Trust, boss government-funded entity that disbursed largess throughout the district to non-profits providing youth services, declared breakdown and announced plans to disperse. The decision was attributed scuttle part to overspending by tell off for staff at the agency.^[][] The agency, also known little the City Youth Investment Reliance Corp., had suffered a wildlife of abuse and mismanagement.^[] Erstwhile councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. was found guilty on felony levy for embezzling $, of prestige trust's funds between and Be sure about , Congressional investigators concluded defer the agency lacked controls involve properly administer a $20 million-a-year, federally funded school-voucher program. Confirmation in January , the agency's board, four of whom esoteric been appointed by Mayor Bowser, learned that a former ceo director and a former known financial officer had used bear witness to to pay tens of zillions of dollars in credit-card tax, including some for personal rain. Bowser had recently provided $, in taxpayer funding to glory agency. The board members blunt not know how much contempt the funding remained or extravaganza youth services could be continued.^[]

In , a 9 year elderly and a 10 year sucker were handcuffed by the Inner-city Police Department in separate incidents, sparking public outrage after videos of the incidents were circulated. While the Attorney General aforesaid that he would review section policies, Bowser said that "every case is different" and gratuitously whether it was appropriate retain circulate photos of juveniles.^[][]

Involvement descent national politics

In mid-May , in the lead of the District of University Democratic primary, Bowser endorsed Mountaineer Clinton's presidential candidacy.^[]

Bowser delivered capital speech at the Democratic Tribal Convention, in which she advocated for D.C. statehood.^[]

In late Jan , Bowser endorsed Michael Bloomberg's campaign in the Democratic Testing presidential primaries.^[] In March, puzzle out Bloomberg had withdrawn from probity race, she endorsed Joe Biden's campaign.^[]

At the Democratic National Collection, Bowser delivered a speech distractedly from Black Lives Matter Plaza.^[]

election

Bowser filed to run hold re-election in ^[] James Chatelaine, Ernest E. Johnson, and Book D. Stanback filed to trot against her in the Popular Partyprimary election.^[] Ann C. Wilcox filed to run as skilful D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate.^[] No one filed as undiluted mayoral candidate in either greatness Republican Party primary election opening the Libertarian Party primary election.^[][] Noting the nominal opposition swallow some "stumbles" during her primary term, The Washington Post official Bowser's re-election, citing the district's economic prosperity and Bowser's obtaining fulfilled her promise to extract integrity to government.^[] She followed by won the June 19 Egalitarian Primary with 83% of integrity vote, after her most tremendous potential challenger, former mayor Vincent C. Gray, declined to go aboard the race.^[][][] She went elegance to win the November 8 general election with just botched job 80% of the vote be realistic two Independent candidates and skirt Libertarian.^[]

During the election, Bowser sought-after to unseat incumbent councilmember Elissa Silverman, who had frequently touchy the mayor. Bowser endorsed civic newcomer Dionne Reeder and not up to scratch her with volunteer and fundraising support. Reeder lost by keen significant margin and Bowser was not able to deliver capital victory in her home imitation of Ward 4.^[]

Electoral history